MICHAEL COOPER
Wilmington Fire Department
Nominated by Parkway of Wilmington
Captain Michael Cooper has been a firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Department for 13 years. In addition, he also works part time as fire fighter/paramedic with Pender County and also volunteers as a Training Chief. Captain Cooper is an extraordinary firefighter, community servant, leader, father, husband, and role model. These facts were evidenced while he worked tirelessly throughout the duration of Hurricane Florence, all while his home and property were being completely destroyed by the flooding. Captain Cooper is a fine example of the motto "Service Before Self" and is without question a Hometown Hero.
TONY JAMES
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
Nominated by Valley Auto World
On October 3, 2018, Deputy James heard someone yelling for help in the boy's bathroom at 71st High School. James ran into the bathroom and found a student on the floor not breathing. James immediately called EMS and started CPR. After several chest compressions, the student woke up and started breathing again. Without the assistance of Deputy James, the young man may not be here today.
JOSH WATTS
Gastonia Fire Department
Nominated by Tindol Ford Subaru Roush
Josh brings a whole new level of dedication into the fire department. He is constantly taking new classes, and works to improve his already sharp skills. He is motivated and is a motivator. He leaves “no stone unturned” when checking the apparatus and equipment. He wants everything to operate as perfect as possible. Josh volunteers with the Gaston County fire explorers, he does this to ensure that the future county firefighters are being trained correctly. Josh is also an active volunteer firefighter with the Union Road Fire Department, where he is a Lieutenant. Josh, an Eagle Scout himself, also volunteers with the Boy Scouts. Josh Watts is one of the most dedicated and hard working firefighters in the industry. He takes extreme pride in our trade, and constantly trains to improve himself. Josh also goes above and beyond to make sure that the people we serve are properly cared for. He is the type of firefighter that everyone needs on their truck.
MIKE LINDLEY
Cary Police Department
Nominated by Johnson Automotive
Det. Mike Lindley is being nominated for the selfless sacrifice he has made during his tenure in the law enforcement profession as well as his military career. Mike Lindley’s final assignment in law enforcement has been in the criminal investigation division. He was assigned to the cyber crimes unit specifically investigating child pornography cases. These cases are complex, tedious, and time consuming. Mike Lindley has managed to exceed expectations in this area. Mike Lindley recently built a case in which for the first time in North Carolina a residence was confiscated from the suspect. The proceeds from the sale of this property were then distributed to the multiple victims. Mike has recently retired from the department and has decided to dedicate himself to the teaching profession and the coaching of our youth.
BETTY STOCKS
City of Concord Police Department
Nominated by Ben Mynatt Family of Dealerships
Deputy Chief Betty Stocks began her career with the Concord Police Department in 1990. Her decision to become an officer was driven by the impact of drugs and violence in the community. She lived in public housing at the time and wanted to get involved in making a difference. She has assisted with undercover drug and prostitution operations, became a DARE and School Resource officer due to her interest in working with children. Over the years she has been involved in many organizations throughout law enforcement and was promoted up the ranks until in 2016 she was promoted to Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Stocks' education and training consist of an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, a Bachelor's of Arts in Criminal Justice from Barber-Scotia College, and a Master's of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She also holds an Advanced Law Enforcement, Certificate, a General Instructor Certificate from the State of North Carolina and a Law Enforcement Planner Certificate. She has attended various leadership development and management training courses.
JAMES COOK
Harnett County Sheriff's Office
Nominated by John Hiester Chevrolet
In early 2018, Corporal Cook responded to a call to locate a missing juvenile. Unbeknownst to Corporal Cook, the subject he had approached was armed. A struggle ensued and the subject broke away and fired a weapon. Cook was hit by two gunshots, one in the face and the other in the torso. The shot to the torso was absorbed by the ballistic vest he was wearing. Corporal Cook was able to call for assistance over the radio for help. Because of his actions, deputies were able to secure a perimeter and apprehend the subject within hours after the incident. Corporal Cook exemplifies the dangers of what Law Enforcement Officers are faced with daily.
EVAN WEAVER
Harnett County Sheriff's Office
Nominated by John Hiester Chevrolet
In early 2018, Corporal Cook responded to a call to locate a missing juvenile. Unbeknownst to Corporal Cook, the subject he had approached was armed. A struggle ensued and the subject broke away and fired a weapon. Cook was hit by two gunshots, one in the face and the other in the torso. The shot to the torso was absorbed by the ballistic vest he was wearing. Corporal Cook was able to call for assistance over the radio for help. Because of his actions, deputies were able to secure a perimeter and apprehend the subject within hours after the incident. Corporal Cook exemplifies the dangers of what Law Enforcement Officers are faced with daily.
JERRY FURR
High Point Police Department
Officer Furr responded to a shooting - suspect shot and killed his wife in front of two young kids. Shooting continued children were in front yard exposed and officer Furr ran to the children, shielding them with his body as he moved them from harms way.
SCOTT SHACKLETON
High Point Police Department
Nominated by Ilderton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Officer Stewart and Officer Shackleton responded to a shots fired call to find a victim in a vehicle who had been shot. The officers removed the victims clothing and began medical assessment, identifying gunshot wounds and attempting to control bleeding until EMS responded. EMS was very impressed with the actions taken by Officer Stewart and Officer Shackleton. Without their efforts, the victim would not have survived the injuries he sustained from gunfire. Both officers remained calm during this extremely stressful event and managed the medical scene professionally until relieved by EMS personnel.
KAYLYN STEWART
High Point Police Department
Nominated by Ilderton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Officer Stewart and Officer Shackleton responded to a shots fired call to find a victim in a vehicle who had been shot. The officers removed the victims clothing and began medical assessment, identifying gunshot wounds and attempting to control bleeding until EMS responded. EMS was very impressed with the actions taken by Officer Stewart and Officer Shackleton. Without their efforts, the victim would not have survived the injuries he sustained from gunfire. Both officers remained calm during this extremely stressful event and managed the medical scene professionally until relieved by EMS personnel.
ROBERT TULL
High Point Police Department
Nominated by Ilderton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Officer Robert Tull has been a sworn officer with the High Point Police Department since June 2015 along with 16 years in the Air Force Reserve as an E6 Technical Sergeant. Tull is a valued member of Fox Team in the patrol division. He is a mature, hardworking, fair, objective, possessing true grit, a great work ethic and attitude. He makes good decisions and can be counted on to make informed decisions. Tull embodies community policing and actively participates in practically all scheduled and nonscheduled community activities. I have full confidence in his decision making and abilities and he possesses tremendous upside and overall great redeeming qualities, that are refreshing in this age of policing. The HPPD is fortunate to have Tull in our ranks.
GARY D QUEEN
Cornelius Police Department
Nominated by Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Corporal Queen has been working with K9s since 2012. Queen and Lex (his K9 companion) received a call for a suicidal subject in a local park. The subjects car was located near a nature preserve which began Queen and Lex search for the missing and suicidal subject. Corporal Queen, Officer Morrison and Lex located the 17 year old. Corporal Queen rushed in lifting the subject up in order to get the noose off his neck and lowered him back to the ground. The 17 year old was given some time to recover and walked out of the woods on his own with Corporal Queen, Officer Morrison and Lex.
CHRIS HENDRICKS
Gaston County Emergency Medical Services
Nominated by Tindol Ford Subaru Roush
Corporal Queen has been working with K9s since 2012. Queen and Lex (his K9 companion) received a call for a suicidal subject in a local park. The subjects car was located near a nature preserve which began Queen and Lex search for the missing and suicidal subject. Corporal Queen, Officer Morrison and Lex located the 17 year old. Corporal Queen rushed in lifting the subject up in order to get the noose off his neck and lowered him back to the ground. The 17 year old was given some time to recover and walked out of the woods on his own with Corporal Queen, Officer Morrison and Lex.
CHRIS HENDRICKS
Gaston County Emergency Medical Services
Nominated by Tindol Ford Subaru Roush
Corporal Queen has been working with K9s since 2012. Queen and Lex (his K9 companion) received a call for a suicidal subject in a local park. The subjects car was located near a nature preserve which began Queen and Lex search for the missing and suicidal subject. Corporal Queen, Officer Morrison and Lex located the 17 year old. Corporal Queen rushed in lifting the subject up in order to get the noose off his neck and lowered him back to the ground. The 17 year old was given some time to recover and walked out of the woods on his own with Corporal Queen, Officer Morrison and Lex.
